Bill > HB710

This bill aims to restrict public support and limit the construction of new data centers, which are facilities designed to house computer systems for processing and storing large amounts of data. It prohibits the state and local governments from offering any form of "incentive," defined as financial aid like tax credits, grants, loans, or other funding, for the construction or operation of new data centers. Furthermore, it prevents new data centers from being built on prime farmland (agricultural land), public land, or within platted residential neighborhoods, with a limited exception for prime farmland if it's voluntarily sold and approved by the county commissioners. The bill also amends existing law regarding "public use" in property appropriation to explicitly exclude taking property for new data centers. Finally, it requires that any new data center seeking utility service must demonstrate to the Public Utilities Commission that its electricity usage will not lead to higher rates for residential, agricultural, or small business customers, with specific requirements for developers to cover all associated electricity costs to prevent cross-subsidization.

Government Affairs

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb710